Very few botanical macroremains studies have been conducted in Cambodia to date. At PKKS, archaeobotanical work was integrated as part of the research to provide information on the agricultural economy and diet of the population living in the area.

A total of 67 soil samples were collected for archaeobotanical research during fieldwork in 2015. The amount of soil collected averaged 10.9 litres per context although some soil samples were as large as 23 litres or as small as 0.5 litres per context. The soil samples were floated using the simple bucket flotation technique and 250 µm mesh bags were used for flotation. The heavy fraction was wet-sieved after flotation. Sorting, identification and analysis of the samples is undergoing although preliminary results provide evidence of the economic crops rice (Oryza sativa), mungbean (Vigna radiata) and cotton (cf. Gossypium and Gossypium sp.).

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of rice husk

A rice caryopsis